The forest, which is the favorite of autumn, can be entered with special permission; it is unique in the world.

The Kasnak Oak Nature Conservation Area, located within the borders of the Yukarı Gökdere village in the Eğirdir district, features a unique forest of the endemic species known as the kasnak oak, which is exclusive to Turkey. The General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks (DKMP) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has stated that entry to the forest, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Kovada Lake National Park Directorate in the 6th Regional Directorate in Isparta, is only permitted for scientific and educational purposes with special permission. From mid-October to the end of November each year, the forest, which showcases the most beautiful colors of autumn, is a natural wonder composed of kasnak oaks, found only in Yukarı Gökdere in the world.

1300 HECTARES IN SIZE

Kovada Lake National Park Chief Bahaddin Uysal mentioned that the region has been designated as a 'nature conservation area' due to the kasnak oak being the only area in the world where it naturally forms a stand or forest, and it spans 1300 hectares. Uysal noted that the kasnak oak forest is adjacent to forests of juniper, pine, and cedar in the basin where Eğirdir Lake and Kovada Lake wetlands are located, stating, "The kasnak oak, which is a species unique to our country and is facing the threat of extinction, is part of a unique ecosystem that contains the most beautiful examples of both pure and mixed stands with cedar and juniper."

APPLICATION FOR PERMISSION

Uysal stated that since the forest was declared a nature conservation area in 1987 and is under protection, entries can only be made within certain permissions, and unauthorized entries are strictly prohibited. "Only entries for scientific research and educational purposes are allowed. The kasnak oak in this forest is an endemic species. While there are individual specimens of this tree in different regions of our country, this is the only natural area where it can form a forest. The unique autumn visuals occur between the last week of October and mid-November. During this two to three-week period, there is a beautiful autumn view in the area, but entry is prohibited for sightseeing. Since it is an area designated solely for scientific and educational purposes, we can only enter for those reasons. For this, a petition must be written to our Isparta Branch Directorate or the Kovada Lake National Park Chief regarding their intention to come for scientific or educational purposes. If deemed appropriate, entry is allowed with the accompaniment of the chief or a designated staff member," he explained.

67 ENDEMIC SPECIES FOUND

Bahaddin Uysal explained that universities or DKMP experts conduct scientific studies related to wildlife and plant species in the area, and presentations for schools can also be made. According to research, 23 mammal and 442 plant species have been identified in the area, with 67 of them being endemic species. "Our goal is to protect this valuable area, which has formed naturally, and pass it on to future generations. For this, continuous scientific studies are being conducted to better understand the ecosystem and strengthen its protection status without harming it, aiming to make it a globally recognized natural heritage site," he said.

THE SECOND THICKEST KASNAK OAK

On the other hand, the second thickest known kasnak oak in Turkey, measured in 2021, has a diameter of 1.37 meters, a circumference of 4.30 meters, and a height of 33.5 meters. The tree, known as 'Koca kasnak,' is under special protection in the Beşbahçe area of the forest.